Nephrology

The UCLA Health Division of Nephrology leads the nation in groundbreaking research and innovative treatments for all types of kidney conditions.

Doctor showing a kidney on a tablet closeup

Why choose UCLA Health for kidney care?

As recognized leaders in nephrology services, our experts help children and adults with a variety of kidney conditions. You’ll benefit from our vast experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating kidney disease and preserving kidney function. Highlights of our services include:

National recognition: UCLA Health Nephrology is No. 1 on the West Coast and No. 3 in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. We’re proud to lead the nation in advanced diagnostics, world-class care, and effective treatments and world-class care for all types of kidney disease. You’ll receive outstanding, comprehensive care from top experts dedicated to your well-being.

Collaborative care: UCLA nephrologists work with specialists across departments to deliver accurate diagnoses, effective treatments and comprehensive care. For example, specialists from nephrology and urology work together to offer innovative treatments in our kidney stone center.

Groundbreaking research: Our experts pioneer new treatments through ongoing research and life-changing clinical trials. We build on science to develop advances in diagnostics and create new therapies, which means better outcomes for you. When you choose UCLA Health, you’ll have the expertise of a top medical center behind you.

Robust training: As an academic medical center, our experts train the next generation of nephrologists through two accredited fellowship programs. We’re proud to help shape the future of nephrology care.

Top Kidney Transplantation Program: With some of the best outcome rates in the country, our programs help children and adults with complex conditions. We are one of the longest-running kidney transplant programs in the country. We lead the nation in the number of transplants we perform every year.

Kidney conditions treated by our faculty

CKD and dialysis: CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) results from different conditions including diabetes, glomerulonephritis, genetic disorders and obstruction (prostate and kidney stones).

High blood pressure: All causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) are treated including dietary modification including how to reduce salt intake.

Genetic kidney diseases: A wide array of kidney diseases are treated including Alport syndrome, PKD and Fabry’s disease.

Electrolyte Disorders: The kidneys maintain the balance of minerals in the body. These minerals, or electrolytes, include sodium, potassium, and calcium. When the kidneys don’t work normally, electrolyte levels can get too high or dip too low.

Glomerulonephritis: This condition happens when the filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, become inflamed and damaged. Several conditions can cause glomerulonephritis, including IGA Nephrology, FSGS, SLE, and Membranous GN.

Kidney stones: Kidney stones are common and lead to sever pain. Kidney stones can result from dehydration, obesity, unhealthy diet, and certain medications.

Kidney disease treatments we offer

We specialize in a range of treatments for all types of kidney disease. UCLA nephrologists combine effective therapies with healthy habits and lifestyle changes to help you feel your best.

Dialysis: We offer inpatient and outpatient dialysis at several locations. During hemodialysis, a special machine removes and filters waste from your blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood while it’s in your body. We also offer continuous renal replacement therapy, a 24-hour dialysis that continuously filters the blood.

Diet and lifestyle changes: Through education, nutritional counseling and support, our nephrology experts and dietitians help you make smarter choices. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to take control of your health.

Medications: Our specialists work with you to manage kidney problems with several types of medications. These may include vitamins, supplements, or drugs to treat high blood pressure. If you have kidney stones, you may need drugs to help you pass the stones.

Minimally invasive treatments: We specialize in several procedures to break up or remove kidney stones. These procedures use small incisions or nonsurgical shock wave technology, which results in a shorter recovery time.

Kidney transplant: Our nationally recognized kidney transplant program offers several options for children and adults who need a kidney transplant. Through our Kidney Exchange Program, we offer kidney swap, kidney chain and kidney voucher options.

Our team of experts

Our nephrology specialists are leaders in research and treatments for all types of kidney disease. With years of expertise, our team delivers world-class care.